LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- Indiana State Police call it an "alarming" trend -- a rise in heroin use in Indiana. They say it has become the most abused narcotic, surpassing cocaine, and the second most purchased drug by undercover officers, after marijuana.

ISP says additional restrictions on prescription medications seem to be one reason more people are using heroin. It stresses that heroin is very dangerous, with both addicts and first-time users risking fatal overdoses. Users who inject the drug are also often exposed to diseases such as HIV, AIDS, and hepatitis.

It can cost $400-$500 a gram on the street in its pure form.

Indiana State Police ask anyone with knowledge of drug dealers to contact their anonymous Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756.